chapter 3: A decision made without them

When Family Becomes Fate

(Flashback – Before the Proposal)

The morning sun peeked through the curtains of the Shrivastava house, casting golden streaks across the small but tidy living room. Inside, the usual morning rush was in full swing.

Today was Kyara Shrivastava's graduation day.

Her father, Dr. Ravi Shrivastava, was buttoning up his formal shirt, his movements steady, practiced. Her mother, Sweta Shrivastava, was moving around the kitchen, frying parathas while calling out reminders to her children.

Kyara, standing in front of the mirror, adjusted the folds of her kurta, brushing off invisible creases. Her reflection stared back at her—a young woman with sharp eyes, soft features, and a mind that had already decided what she wanted from life.

This wasn't just any graduation. This was her stepping stone to something bigger.

On the bed behind her, her younger brother, Raj, who was in Class 7, was lazily swinging his legs while scrolling through his phone. He was clearly not as excited as the rest of the family.

"Kyara, are you ready? We don't have all day!"

"You're actually graduating," Raj muttered, smirking. "Guess that means you're officially old now."

Kyara rolled her eyes. "And you're still an annoying brat."

Raj grinned, satisfied with getting a reaction.

This was her moment.

As they left, she had no idea this would be the last time her family would be complete.

---

A Plan Set in Motion – The Agnihotris' Discussion

Across the city, in a sleek, modern South Delhi apartment, Niki Agnihotri sipped his morning coffee, barely listening to the conversation around him.

His father, Dr. Rishant Agnihotri, sat on the couch, flipping through the business section of the newspaper. His mother, Dr. Richa Agnihotri, was in the kitchen, inspecting the cabinets like she was evaluating a hospital storage room.

And his younger sister, Aria Agnihotri, who was in Class 10, was lounging on the sofa, fully invested in her phone screen.

The three of them were deep in discussion. Whispering, debating, planning something.

Niki frowned, setting his cup down. What the hell is going on?

"We should finalize it now." His mother's voice was firm.

"Yes, before Niki finds out and makes a fuss," Aria added, smirking.

Niki's suspicion grew. That was never a good sign.

Just as he was about to push further, his father folded the newspaper and looked directly at him.

"Niki, have you given any thought to marriage?"

Niki froze mid-sip. What the hell?

He let out a sharp laugh. "Dad, I'm twenty-three, not fifty."

His mother raised an eyebrow. "That's exactly what you used to say about MBBS, and look where you are now."

Niki sighed deeply, already regretting letting them stay over for the weekend.

He had no idea how much worse things were about to get.

---

An Unavoidable Reality

Kyara dropped her spoon.

Her mother sighed. "We've decided on your marriage. With Dr. Agnihotri's son, Niki."

Kyara laughed bitterly. "You've got to be kidding me."

Her mother rubbed her forehead, exhaustion clear on her face. "Kyara, I know this isn't what you wanted, but things aren't that simple."

Kyara's eyes narrowed. "What do you mean?"

Her mother hesitated, then looked down at the table. "We… we're struggling, Kyara."

Kyara stilled.

Her mother gave her a tired smile. "I won't let you give up your dreams, but… your father took a loan to open his private clinic."

Kyara's throat felt dry. She hadn't realized it was this bad.

Her mother's head snapped up. "It's not like that."

Kyara let out a humorless laugh. "Then what is it like?"

Her mother looked away. She had no answer.

---

A Forced Decision

Niki froze mid-scroll.

His father added, "With Dr. Shrivastava's daughter, Kyara."

Then Niki laughed bitterly. "Wow. So everyone just decided my future without me?"

His father's expression hardened. "This isn't just about you, Niki. You think life is just about doing whatever you want?"

Niki let out a dry, sarcastic laugh.

"Ohhh, like how I wanted to do MBBS? Like how I wanted to live away from my own family since I turned two?"

"Shut up, Niki!" His mother's sharp voice cut through the tension.

Niki exhaled sharply, shaking his head. This was ridiculous.

---

A Flashing Moment – Connecting to Chapter 2

Kyara grabbed money from her purse and slammed it on the table before Niki's card could be swiped.

"I'll pay my share, you pay yours."

Niki frowned, then smirked. "Well, I was only paying mine."

Kyara scoffed, thinking to herself—This bitch.